Carla Bruni makes first appearance following Nicolas Sarkozy"s arrest

Carla Bruni stepped out at a Bulgari cocktail event on Wednesday, marking her first public appearance since her husband Nicolas Sarkozywas detained for questioning by anti-corruption police.

France”s former first lady, who has previously modelled for Bulgari, put on a brave face as she joined the luxury Italian brand”s CEO Jean Christophe Babin and his wife Marzia at Apicius restaurant in Paris.

Seemingly unfazed by recent events and dressed in an elegant dark green dress, Carla was seated next to former actress Princess Clotilde of Savoy, who wore a unique dress made up of a turquoise top, a black waist panel and a monochrome striped skirt.

Carla”s appearance in Paris came a week after her husband of six years was arrested for alleged “influence-peddling” – the illegal practice of using governmental influence and connections to obtain favours or preferential treatment.

The 59-year-old is accused of promising magistrate Gilbert Azibert a prestigious job in Monaco in return for information that could help his defence in a separate case.

Former French president Mr Sarkozy has also been accused of multiple illegal dealings, mostly linked to the financing of his 2007 and 2012 election campaigns, while another case against him concerns the possible perversion of justice.

Carla and Princess Clotilde

The Paris-born politician was left to defend himself as his lawyer, Thierry Herzog, was arrested on 7 July along with two senior judges.
Celebrity transformations: Carla Bruni

Mr Sarkozy, who turned himself in to police for questioning in Nanterre, was believed to be considering making a political comeback and running in the 2017 presidential elections.